JD Wetherspoon has implemented a new rule for customers visiting its pubs across the UK. The popular British pub chain has banned customers from playing music or taking phone calls on speaker. The move comes after the chain received complaints that the noise was driving people "nuts".
Ban across all 792 pubs
On Monday, the company announced that the ban would come into force across its 792 pubs, adding that sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an "increasing problem in recent years".
The company said in a statement: "Following complaints from customers, who are being driven nuts by other people’s videos and amplified phone conversations, Wetherspoon has asked customers to switch their phones to silent or to use earphones."
Chairman's comment
Wetherspoon chairman and founder Sir Tim Martin said: "In a world dominated by other people’s music and amplified sound, Wetherspoon pubs are an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation.
"In order to avoid customers being driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound, we are kindly asking phone users to pipe down."
Industry reaction
The British Beer and Pub Association, which represents Wetherspoons and several other pub companies in the UK, said that "having a clear policy helps staff enforce rules and customers know what they can and can't do".
The group added: "We're yet to hear of anyone who relishes having a pint against the backdrop of a speakerphone call or someone loudly playing a video, so we expect this move will be greatly welcomed."
Public opinion and surveys
Studies suggest that most Britons are irritated by people taking calls on speakerphone or playing videos and music aloud without using headphones.
A Transport for London survey of 1,000 people conducted last year found that 70% of respondents considered loud phone conversations and music played without headphones to be a nuisance.
However, attitudes appear to vary significantly by age group. An Ofcom survey of 1,010 people conducted in August 2022 found that younger respondents were far more accepting of such behaviour. Among those aged 13 to 17, 69% said making video calls in public was acceptable, while 73% approved of listening to music and 83% of watching videos without headphones.
